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While preparing aspirin for a patient, the nurse reviewed which of the pharmacologic effects of salicylates? Select all that apply

Analgesic

Anesthetic

Antidote

Anti-inflammatory

Antiemetic

Antipyretic

Antiepileptic

Answer and Explanation

Correct Answer : A,D,F

Aspirin is a salicylate with multiple pharmacologic actions, but its main therapeutic effects are pain relief, reduction of inflammation, and fever reduction. Understanding these effects helps guide its appropriate clinical use and patient education.

Rationale for correct answers:

A. Analgesic:
Aspirin inhibits prostaglandin synthesis, which reduces pain, making it effective for mild to moderate pain such as headaches, musculoskeletal pain, or postoperative discomfort.

D. Anti-inflammatory:
By inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, aspirin reduces the production of prostaglandins involved in inflammation, making it useful in conditions like arthritis.

F. Antipyretic:
Aspirin acts on the hypothalamic heat-regulating center to lower fever, helping manage febrile conditions.

Rationale for incorrect answers:

B. Anesthetic:
Aspirin does not produce loss of sensation. Local or general anesthetics are required for that effect.

C. Antidote:
Aspirin cannot reverse toxic effects of other drugs; it has no antidotal properties.

E. Antiemetic:
Aspirin does not prevent nausea or vomiting. Other medications like ondansetron are used for that purpose.

G. Antiepileptic:
Aspirin does not prevent seizures; antiepileptic drugs are required for seizure control.

Take-home points:

Aspirin’s primary actions are analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic.
It does not act as an anesthetic, antidote, antiemetic, or antiepileptic.
Understanding these effects ensures safe and effective use while minimizing unnecessary or ineffective administration.

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Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Transdermal fentanyl patches are a common choice for patients with chronic cancer-related pain because they provide continuous systemic absorption of the drug. This allows for stable plasma concentrations and sustained pain relief, reducing the peaks and troughs that occur with oral or injectable opioids. The patches are not free of adverse effects, but their main advantage is consistent analgesia.

Rationale for correct answer:

A. More constant drug levels for analgesia:
The patch delivers fentanyl steadily over 72 hours, ensuring stable pain control without the fluctuations seen with short-acting opioids. This makes it particularly useful for persistent cancer pain.

Rationale for incorrect answers:

B. Less constipation and minimal dry mouth:
Constipation and dry mouth are common opioid side effects regardless of the route. Fentanyl patches do not eliminate these adverse effects, so laxatives and oral care are still necessary.

C. Less drowsiness than with oral opioids:
Fentanyl can still cause CNS depression and drowsiness. The patch does not prevent this effect—it mainly changes how the drug is delivered.

D. Lower dependency potential and no major adverse effects:
Fentanyl is a potent opioid with the same risks of tolerance, dependence, and adverse effects as other opioids. It must be carefully monitored.

Take-home points:

Transdermal fentanyl provides stable and continuous analgesia, which is ideal for chronic cancer pain.
Side effects such as constipation, sedation, and dependency risks remain and require monitoring.
The main advantage is avoiding peaks and troughs in pain relief, improving patient comfort and quality of life.

A. A patient with a fever of 103.4°F (39.7°C) B. A patient admitted with deep vein thrombosis C. A patient admitted with severe hepatitis D. A patient who had abdominal surgery 1 week earlier

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Acetaminophen is a widely used analgesic and antipyretic. While generally safe, it is primarily metabolized by the liver, and excessive or prolonged use can cause hepatotoxicity. Nurses must assess liver function and consider alternative pain management for patients with significant hepatic impairment.

Rationale for correct answer:

C. A patient admitted with severe hepatitis:
Acetaminophen is contraindicated in patients with active liver disease because it can exacerbate liver injury. Even standard doses may pose a risk in severe hepatic impairment, so an alternate analgesic should be chosen.

Rationale for incorrect answers:

A. A patient with a fever of 103.4°F (39.7°C):
Fever is a standard indication for acetaminophen. It is safe and effective for reducing elevated body temperature.

B. A patient admitted with deep vein thrombosis:
Acetaminophen does not affect coagulation or increase thrombotic risk, making it safe in this context.

D. A patient who had abdominal surgery 1 week earlier:
Postoperative pain is a common indication for acetaminophen. It can be safely used unless there is concurrent liver disease.

Take-home points:

Acetaminophen is hepatotoxic at high doses or in patients with liver disease.
Always review patient history for liver impairment before administration.
Consider alternative analgesics in patients with active hepatitis or severe liver dysfunction.

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While preparing aspirin for a patient, the nurse reviewed which of the pharmacologic effects of salicylates? Select all that apply

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A patient with bone pain caused by metastatic cancer will be receiving transdermal fentanyl patches. The patient asks the nurse what benefits these patches have. The nurse's best response includes which of these features?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Several patients have standard orders for acetaminophen as needed for pain. While reviewing their histories and assessments, the nurse discovers that one of the patients has a contraindication to acetaminophen therapy. Which patient should receive an alternate medication?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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